Why You Should Choose Port Orleans French Quarter

Since 2000, I have had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World on several occasions. On all of those trips, I have stayed at an on-site resort and on all but one, my family has stayed at a moderate resort. As it turns out, we have stayed at all of the moderate resorts, so we have a good idea how each one stacks up.

Our Favorite? Port Orleans French Quarter.

Why? Size, Location, Transportation Options & Atmosphere!

Size
It is such a delight to stay at the French Quarter. It has approximately 1,000 rooms. I know that sounds like a lot, but is less than half the size of Disney’s other moderate resorts. The less congestion is a great thing when it comes to the bus stop and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory , the resort’s food court. The layout of French Quarter is also different from the other moderate resorts. While I have a fondness for all the moderate resorts, the ease of getting around French Quarter is such a joy. Even if you are staying at one of the farthest buildings away from the food court or bus stop, the walk is relatively easy.

Location & Transportation

If you love Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will really enjoy the location of French Quarter. A ride to either park is relatively short and usually less than 15 minutes. Magic Kingdom is only slightly farther away, with Animal Kingdom the farthest.
Here is another great tidbit to remember. Port Orleans French Quarter has a sister resort next-door called Port Orleans Riverside. Riverside is a much larger resort and has several bus stops, while French Quarter only has one. The two resorts share busses, but usually not during peak hours like opening and closing. Why is that important? During mornings and evenings, a bus will often only go directly between French Quarter’s one bus stop and a Disney Park. That makes the trip a lot shorter since you do not have to stop at all the bus stops at Port Orleans Riverside. If you want to make a trip to Downtown Disney, you have two options with Disney Transportation. You can travel via bus or boat. While the boat ride may take a little longer on the Sassagoula River, it is a great way to sit back and relax.

Atmosphere
The size and atmosphere are truly unique. It offers a feel of Mardi Grad and New Orleans. It has larger than life carnival masks and trombone playing alligators…and the charm of the French Quarter.

Port Orleans French Quarter has a heated pool and poolside Jacuzzi for your enjoyment. When you walk down the miniature roads between buildings, it is like taking a step in the real French Quarter in New Orleans.
I truly believe you will enjoy your stay.
As they say in New Orleans, "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" Let the Good Times Roll!

A Grand Gathering at Walt DIsney World

Amy Blades
amyb@wdwtravels.com

Grand Gatherings usually happen one of two ways: you’re planning a trip to Disney and friends or family decide they want to tag along, or your dream to take a trip with friends and family is finally coming true. Either way, Disney knows how to make it magical. In order for your trip to qualify as a Grand Gathering, you must be staying at a Disney Resort, and there must be at least 8 or more in your gathering. If there are, then Disney has extras for only you!
When you plan, make sure to do it far enough in advance so you can get all of your dining reservations together. I would recommend 180 days prior to your trip. If you have less than that, make dining reservations your first priority. If you choose to stay together, you can count on the Deluxe Villas to meet your needs. If you’re looking to spend a little less, you can book rooms next to each other at any of our other resorts. This way, you can still be close together without spending the extra money for a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort. When booking the reservation, mention that you want adjoining rooms or nearby rooms, whichever your preference may be.
The extras that are for Grand Gatherings only include an incredible Safari Celebration Dinner. This special event begins with an end-of-day trip on the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction. Following your Safari is dinner in the Tusker House Restaurant. Your all-you-care-to-eat dinner is served family style, and features African inspired cuisine.
The International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception is another fantastic opportunity to enjoy something special, which is not offered to the general public. While eating your meal, there is storytelling and live musical entertainment. This event features some of your favorite Disney Characters who join the guests on the dance floor. Once you've enjoyed your evening of food and fun, you're escorted to a reserved viewing area for the nightly "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" light, laser, and fireworks show, where a delicious dessert buffet is served. My personal favorite is the Good Morning Character Breakfast, where you are welcomed by “Tony” at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Here, Tony invites you to enjoy a delicious all-you-care-to-eat breakfast. Mickey and Friends are there for treasured photos and fun interaction. Each event has different days of availability. Make sure to plan ahead so you can fit everything into your magical gathering.
In addition to the Grand Gathering events, groups can order Magical Gathering T-Shirts (90 to 10 days in advance of arrival), and schedule spa treatments, childcare, tours, etc.
A Disney Vacation is a magical time of memory making, in a place where dreams come true. What could be better than your own family enjoying the magic, as well has having the incredible memories of close friends or extended family, that will last forever!

Halloween: Disney Style

Halloween: Disney Style
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is just that, a Not-So-Scary fun-filled evening with Mickey and friends!
On select nights in September and October, guests (young and young at heart) can join their favorite Disney characters and dress up and collect treats from Cast Members all throughout the park. On these select nights, the Magic Kingdom closes its doors to the general public and only allows guests who have purchased a special ticket to enter! *Note with this ticket, you may enter the park as early as 4pm* Everyone who is attending the MNSSHP will get a wrist band so they know who can remain in the park. As the sun goes down in the Florida sky, the sound of Halloween creeps through the Magic Kingdom.
All the characters are dressed in their costumes, and guests of all ages come in theirs (this is the one time adult guests are allowed to dress in costumes, so take advantage of it). My family wanted to do something extra fun, because that is just the way we are, so after much thought we came up with the perfect idea, THE INCREDIBLES!!!!. Our family consisted of Mr. Incredible (hubby), Elastagirl (myself), Violet (older daughter), Dash (middle son) and Jack-Jack (our 1 year old son). It was perfect, and we were a hit! We received so many compliments, and many people asked for our picture!
During the evening, most all the rides are open to enjoy, which is great because you do not have all the crowds as you would during normal hours with normal crowds. They also have many trick-or-treating stations throughout the park, and they give out little trick-or-treating bags to every guest when you arrive. We bought our own, though!! Stitch had his own dance party at Cosmic Rays which was great, dressed as Elvis Presley and all! There are two (one early and one a little later in the evening) Mickey’s Boo-to-You parade that is amazing, complete with Grave Diggers from the Haunted Mansion, the Headless Horseman, and all the Disney Villains, including Jack Skellington. There is also a fantastic Happy HalloWishes fireworks display that only Disney can do.
This requires an extra ticket you have to purchase but it is well worth the price. We actually got a special, being Florida residents at the time, for 2 adult tickets free when you stay 2 nights at a resort. They also have discounts for DVC members and military on select nights, so be sure to ask about any specials!!
The dates for this year are as follows: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 Saturday, September 18, 2010 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 Thursday, September 23, 2010 Saturday, September 25, 2010 Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Thursday, September 30, 2010 Friday, October 1, 2010 Sunday, October 3, 2010 Thursday, October 7, 2010 Friday, October 8, 2010 Monday, October 11, 2010 Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Thursday, October 14, 2010 Sunday, October 17, 2010 Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Thursday, October 21, 2010 Friday, October 22, 2010 Sunday, October 24, 2010 Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Thursday, October 28, 2010 Friday, October 29, 2010 Sunday, October 31, 2010 Monday, November 1, 2010
Note: Advance Purchase Price not available on 10/8, 10/22, 10/28, 10/29, 10/31. All other select nights, when purchased prior to the day of the event: $53.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $47.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Day-Of Event Prices: $59.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $53.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9); Premium Pricing (10/29, 10/31 ): $64.95 + tax (Ages 10+) $58.95 + tax (Ages 3 - 9)
If you plan to be at Disney during September or October, make sure to include Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to your travel plans! You won’t be disappointed!! As always, you can contact us here at WDWTravels for all your Disney travel needs, including purchasing your MNSSHP tickets!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is perhaps the best hotel on the Walt Disney World property. Spectacular scenery and interior design instantly whisk hotel guests into a world of African charm. In fact, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is known to be favored by celebrity clientele for their own family visits to Disney World.
The earthy decorative tones and authentic African artifacts make the Animal Kingdom Lodge feel incredibly warm and inviting. Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge gives visitors the convenience of staying at a Disney World site, without being surrounded by Disney characters.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge has a charm that appeals to both adults and children. The animals striding across the savannahs in the morning and evening enthrall all age groups and the peacefulness is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the Disney theme parks. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is little part of Africa that Disney got exactly right. It is relaxing and inviting, and transports you to world that seems thousands of miles away from Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and yet guests are only a few short minutes away by bus to all the major Disney theme parks. The Animal Kingdom Lodge could stand alone as a super hotel outside of Disney, and it would still be worth the visit.
One of the great things about staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or any Disney hotel, is the way they cater to children. When you consider going to visit Disney World in Florida, one of the main considerations will be cost. But when you take all of the amenities into consideration, the extra money you spend on a Disney hotel is totally worth it.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge provides so many extra activities for children that it truly makes their stay something special. At dusk, children can borrow night-vision goggles and look at the animals directly from the hotel grounds onto the savannahs, to get a close view and appreciation of the wildlife. There are always friendly guides on hand to explain more about the animals’ behavior. This is nice little touch to the after-dinner experience. It’s like going on a night-time safari! During the day, there are other activities for the children. If it’s wet outside, then out come the arts and craft supplies, and the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby is turned into a giant play area for the children. The Animal Kingdom Lodge staff is there, encouraging them to take part in new crafting projects. While you’re there, make sure to check out the notice board by the Boma restaurant for list of daily activities and their scheduled times.
The 360 pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is themed, like a little oasis in South Africa. Surrounded by palm trees, the Uzima pool has Zero entry on one side, and is suitable for most disabled guests.
At most times of the day you will find three lifeguards on duty to assist any swimmer in the 9,000-square-foot, themed feature pool. There are views of the savannah from the pool, and nestled away in the shrubbery on the side of the main pool are two warm bubbling spas. There is also a small children’s play area and a children’s pool, located close to the restrooms for convenience.
At the Animal Kingdom Lodge poolside, you will find a bar, complete with African-style thatched roof. The bar serves delicious smoothies both alcoholic and non- alcoholic, as well as other tasty sundries. Towels are provided at the Animal Kingdom Lodge pool-side, so there is no need to take towels from your room or pack extra large beach towels when vacationing here. Adjacent to the pool, again neatly tucked away out of view, is a massage and fitness centre.
When the little ones have had enough of the pool, take them to try Simba’s Club House. They provide excellent childcare, with all the facilities that you would expect. They will even provide meals, so that parents can have a romantic evening alone. If you have older children, check out the small amusement arcade which boasts video games and other electronic entertainment.
The poolside experience at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a relaxing and very different from any other Disney hotel. It’s a great experience for both adults and children, and is a welcome rest from the theme parks.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms
The interior decor at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is well thought out, and typifies all that you associate with staying in an African lodge on safari. The beds have carved wooden headboards, giving an authentic feel, and the comforters have a colorful, almost patchwork quilt-like design that presents a symbolic African theme. Each of the rooms features handcrafted furniture and art, made from rich woods and vibrant colors. Accommodations at the Animal Kingdom Lodge range in size from Standard Rooms to One- and Two-Bedroom Suites. Rooms are also available with bunk beds and roll away beds.

The bathrooms at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are well designed with both a shower and a shallow bath, and just outside the bathroom area, there are two separate wash basins for your convenience.

Take advantage of the balcony view, if your room has one, as the Animal Kingdom Lodge has 24-hour viewing opportunities to see animals in their habitat. A great time to catch them is in the early evening or early morning. In fact, one of the best memories that you can take away with you from the Animal Kingdom Lodge is to sit having breakfast out on your balcony, overlooking one of the beautiful Savannahs, and enjoying seeing the giraffes feed.



Animal Kingdom Lodge Dining

Dinning at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a wonderful experience, a real culinary adventure. There is something for everyone, and as you would expect from a Disney hotel, and children are thoroughly spoiled.
Eat breakfast at The Mara, where you can pick up a selection of bagels, pastries, cereals, and fruits, or take a trip to Boma, the restaurant. This self-service buffet-style restaurant provides a feast that will more than keep you going until lunch time. The Safari Breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, and hash browns. And if that isn’t enough, try the wonderful pancakes with delightful maple syrup that is to die for!

If you’re not at the theme parks, the Animal Kingdom Lodge serves food all day long. Try a delicious club sandwich made from thick bread rolls or juicy chicken breast. Or, call in at the Mara for a wonderful section of fast food, from burgers and pizza, to healthy wraps and fresh fruit salad. And if that is not enough, go to Boma for a meal that will more than likely take the rest of the afternoon to consume!

In night, take a trip to Jiko, the cooking place, which features cuisines from around the world, and a South African wine list which would put most exclusive restaurants to shame. Don’t worry about the children; there are always favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The Jiko Disney Dining Experience was designed by Jeffrey Beers, and inspired by the Disney movie The Lion King. Twin wood burning ovens are the centerpiece of the open kitchen.

Once you have completed your meal, take coffee in the seductive Victoria Falls Bar, overlooking Boma. You can have dessert here, if you wish, sample more African wine, or relax with a gourmet coffee.
With the adjacent hotel lobby lounge catering to children, with large and tastefully integrated TVs playing Disney Cartoons, you know that your children will be entertained.

If you haven’t stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you should consider it for your next vacation. The amenities are top-notch, the atmosphere is bar-none, and the memories made will be forever treasured.